H1N1 Vaccine Becomes Available

A note came home from school Tuesday (October 13, 2009) that said the elementary school that my little girl attends will be giving the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine at school, free of charge beginning several weeks from now. It was both a surprise and a relief for us because we feel it gives her and our community an added level of protection. Here are some of the criteria that have been set in our district.

1. Parents must complete and sign a form about the child’s medical history including allergies (particularly to eggs), existing condition such as asthma, and note any adverse reaction to medications including the flu shot in previous years.

The answers that you give to these questions will help health personnel determine whether your child is an acceptable candidate for the vaccine, and if so, whether the injection (inactive virus) or mist (weakened live virus) is better.

2. It is mandatory that a parent or guardian accompany their child when the shot is given if they are in second grade or lower.

3. This is not something the school requires in order to be able to attend. Whether to inoculate your child or not is a decision that is left completely to your family.

4. Children who are 9 years and younger will need a second dose to be given not sooner than 4 weeks later for maximum effectiveness. The school will also provide that dose.

5. If any student is upset and refuses to take it, neither the injection nor mist will be given.

6. Emergency Medical Technicians will be on site to immediately handle any adverse reactions any child might experience.

7. These inoculations are being offered to students from preschool through the high school level at every school in our district. Bravo to our county officials.

After attending a meeting at the school today, I immediately called our pediatrician’s office to see if they were able to vaccinate. They had not received the vaccine, and did not know when it would be available in their office. But they said they did not have a problem with my daughter receiving the vaccine at her school.

Check with your child’s school, and local health department to see if this is something that is planned for your community as well.

However, one of the best ways to keep cold and flu from spreading is still by washing hands frequently. And since the virus is also airborne, removing airborne bacteria and viruses is another way to continually increase your child’s chances of staying health.

PurerAir.com offers an air purifier that can be your family’s partner in good health, not only during this H1N1 season, but from now on. See it now at http://purerair.com/healthmate_hm400.html

Take good care,
Debbie Davis, President
PurerAir.com
(800) 997-2989

Preventing the Flu

There were easily 100 parents with their children at the pediatrician’s office today as my daughter and I went to get her annual flu shot. This was our doctor’s first offering of the vaccine this year, and it was pretty clear that parents have a heightened concern about getting the shot this year.

As we waited for our turn, parents exchanged information about schools and the anxiety that several cases of swine flu in a nearby elementary school were causing. And whether you opt for the mist or the shot, the vaccine is a crucial way to give your child a better chance of staying healthy.

With so many people so close together, it was still hard to avoid sneezing and coughing from children who were there because they were sick. And whereas the shot helps you fight germs that have been ingested or inhaled, it doesn’t lessen the number of airborne germs to which you and your family are exposed.

But a medical grade HEPA air purifier is designed to eliminate bacteria and viruses from the air as small as .3 microns with 99.97% efficiency. Using an air cleaner that can remove the bacteria and viruses from the air before they have a chance to invade the body gives an increased level of protection not only during the flu season, but all during the year.

And because a high efficiency particle arresting (often shortened to HEPA) air purifier will also remove airborne pollutants such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and pet dander, it also offers relief for those who suffer with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.

PurerAir.com offers the HealthMate Air Purifier that is designed to constantly work at keeping the air clean and healthy.

See what other are saying about the HealthMate now at http://purerair.com/healthmate_hm400.html

Take good care,
Debbie Davis, President
PurerAir.com
(800) 997-2989

Flu Shot Alternatives

With flu season fast approaching, and pharmacies and physicians announcing the availability of the flu shot, those who are healthy now have the option to receive an extra level of protection from the flu.

But what are your options if your immune system won’t allow you to take it? What should you do if you are on medication that weakens your immunity? What if you are sick right now and your body cannot tolerate it? Or worse still, what should you do if you're allergic to the ingredients in the shot?

First, good hygiene is always a great first line of defense. Washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and if you must be around those who might be contagious, wear a mask.

Second, seek help immediately if you show signs of unusual congestion, lack of energy, sore muscles, headaches or fever. The earlier the flu is treated, the better, and the fewer complications may result from it.

Third, you can take steps every day to remove airborne viruses and bacteria from your air with a medical grade HEPA air purifier. Removing airborne viruses and bacteria can greatly reduce your chances of colds and the flu catching you. Just knowing that the air is constantly being filtered of airborne contagions (as small as .3 microns) can provide enormous peace of mind.

PurerAir.com offers such a medical grade air purifier that can be your partner in good health not only during the flu season, but all year round—the HealthMate Air Purifier.

Don’t let the flu season get any closer to you or your family. See how this air purifier can help you now at http://purerair.com/healthmate_hm400.html

Take good care,
Debbie Davis, President
PurerAir.com
(800) 997-2989